Rookie QB Sam Ehlinger seeing first-team reps at Colts practice

The Colts’ ongoing storyline at quarterback took a slight turn on Tuesday with rookie Sam Ehlinger seeing reps with the first-team offense. It was the first time the sixth-round QB worked with the first-team offense, according to The Athletic’s Zak Keefer, and with that Ehlinger also saw a starting NFL defense for the first time. In the wake of Carson Wentz‘s foot injury, it was second-year QB Jacob Eason taking those reps up until his point. The two split the starting reps on Tuesday and will do so for the remainder of the week including the team’s oncoming joint practices with the Panthers. “It wasn’t Jacob (Eason) doing anything wrong,” Reich told reporters after practice, per The Athletic’s Stephen Holder. “This is a meritocracy and Sam (Ehlinger) has looked good so we decided to split it up. The good news is they both looked sharp today. We’ll continue to split those reps.” Ehlinger, who started three seasons at Texas, has shown pocket poise and an effective ability to run the ball during his college years, which is an aspect that could potentially separate himself from Eason. It’s still unclear how long the Colts will be without Wentz, but coach Frank Reich and the Colts have maintained their desire to roll with what they have at QB before making any drastic moves. Tuesday’s development will certainly lead to speculation of an all-out QB competition between Eason and Ehlinger for the right to start Week 1 should Wentz remain absent.